What a summer it has been for high adventure! We had 14 troops and one crew attend the 2013 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve – that’s nearly 600 Scouts, Venturers and leaders representing our Council and helping test out the newest national high adventure base. From providing feedback on the program to building the Summit’s first fire ring, they have left their mark on Scouting history.

New Council Website – www.NCACBSA.orgOur new Council website is now live! Head on over, check it out, create a profile for yourself, and let us know what you think. There are a lot of new features, including blogs, forums and a new NCAC online store, so have fun exploring.

That also means this will be the last issue of Capital Comments to be sent out using our old website. We have tried to transfer over everyone’s account so be sure to claim yours – you may have to request a password reset to activiate it – or create a new account as soon as possible so you don’t miss any important Council news.

Popcorn SeasonEveryone knows what season comes after summer – popcorn season! The 2013 sale has begun, and already our unit kernels are hard at work and placing orders. Selling popcorn is a great way to fund your unit program while teaching Scouts responsibility and salesmanship – both important career skills. If your unit would like to learn more about selling popcorn read about the regional kickoffs below.

Plan to attend a Join Scout Night (JSN) training to get ready for the fall membership drive and learn how to use Online Applications through BeAScout.org, get a jump on your recruiting efforts, pick up all your recruiting supplies and learn how to recruit new leadership! All packs are asked to attend one training to receive their JSN supplies, and all volunteers that attend will receive a special recognition! All trainings start at 7:30pm. Visit the JSN webpage to find a location near you and register.

Win a Pizza Party for Your Unit!
For each new Scout that joins your unit, one ticket is added to a drawing for a pizza party (this does not include transfers or multiple registrations). The more Scouts you recruit, the better your chances of winning. Two drawings will occur: Monday, September 30th and Thursday, October 31st. For additional information, rules, questions please contact Sue Hogan at 301-448-0656 or email Susan.Hogan@Scouting.org.

KUDU (Kool, unusual, dynamic and ubiquitous) Yard Sign Contest
Take a picture of yourself with your Join Scouts yard sign in a unique, Scout-friendly location to show your support for Scouting, then post your pictures to the NCAC Facebook page between August 15th and October 15th, 2013. Winners for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be determined by the council membership committee in November. The winning photos will be run in The Scouter Digest, and the photographers will receive a Scout Shop gift card!

NCAC Staff Changes

Mike Perry, District Executive, Piedmont District: Mike Perry will be joining Piedmont District as District Executive in August 2013. He has served as the Goose Creek District Executive since June of 2011. Mike is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow and veteran Goshen Camp Staff member. He looks forward to continuing to serve the Scouts and Scouters of National Capital Area Council in his new role.

To find the nearest pack, troop, ship, crew or team visit BeAScout.org.

Lend a Hand at Top Hands – Aug 25-30

Top Hands is an annual conference that gathers top Scouting volunteers and professionals from around the country to network, collaborate and help grow Scouting. This year’s conference will be in our Council. As the host council, we have the opportunity to support Top Hands by providing a diverse group of individuals representing the best of the Boy Scouts of America to help with various tasks.

Host committee volunteers assist with everything from lifting and toting to supplying props to directly interfacing with attendees. Those committee members with direct exposure to attendees should have good customer service skills. Scouts will also be needed as program participants – leading invocations, serving as color guard, and so on. All host committee members should be attired in the appropriate BSA uniform. If you would like more information or to volunteer, contact Andi.Hannum@Scouting.org.

Coming Events

Scout Days at the Washington Nationals – Sept 22

Join NCAC's Gathering of Eagles (GOE) at Nationals Park on Sunday, September 22 to watch the Nats play the Miami Marlins at 1:35pm. There is a pre-game parade for all Scouts in attendance. Please email GOEInfo@Scouting.org to reserve tickets with the Gathering of Eagles block.

Save the Date: Character Under Construction – Oct 3

WHEN: Thursday, October 3, 2013WHERE: PNC Building Roof Terrace (800 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC)WHAT: A networking event for professionals in construction and real estate in support of NCAC’s Scouts.

Save the Date: Scouting Salutes the Military – Oct 29

“ON MY HONOR I WILL DO MY BEST TO DO MY DUTY TO GOD AND MY COUNTRY…”

NCAC will host the 5th Annual Scouting Salutes the Military event on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, October 29, 6 to 9pm. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL), who is both a Distinguished Eagle Scout and representative from the Senate Armed Services Committee, will keynote this event which celebrates the special bond of service and honor that Scouting and the military share.

The event will honor one active duty enlisted person who personifies the values found in the Scout Oath and Law to represent each of the five U.S. military branches - Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. Join us for a special evening that brings together the national community in support of Scouting’s impact on today’s youth and the tremendous service - on and off the battlefield - rendered by the men and women of our armed services.

Outdoor Adventure

High Adventure

The Council High Adventure Committee would like to remind everyone that you can download the Philmont Campership form to apply for a 2014 campership to Philmont. The camperships are not a guarantee and full scholarships are never awarded. For more information or questions please see the website.

There is still room to sign up for Summit, Philmont, and Sea Base Council contingents for 2014 as well.

Training

Powder Horn 2013

Powder Horn is a four-day course designed to help invigorate troops, teams and crews by preparing older Scouts, Venturers and adult leaders to safely conduct outdoor high-adventure activities of a fun and challenging nature. The course will be August 22-25, 2013, at Camp William B. Snyder and is limited to 48 participants – eight youth and 40 adults. For additional information please contact Steve Wolf.

Wood Badge

Attention: All Adult Scout Leaders!
Wood Badge is designed to meet the advanced leadership needs of all Scouters, including Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, Varsity Coaches, Venturing Advisors, committee chairs, den leaders and other unit, district and council leaders.

Mark your calendars to attend Pow Wow 2013 on November 16. Pow Wow is a supplemental, action-packed training event for anyone interested in Cub Scouting. Spend the day learning new program ideas and get hands-on experience that will enhance your ability to deliver and support a fun-filled, exciting program!

SOCK IT TO ME SATURDAY AT POW WOW
Neediest Kids is an organization that helps students succeed by providing them with the basic essentials they need to get the education they deserve. Help support Neediest Kids by bringing new pairs of socks to donate at Pow Wow!

Popcorn

Popcorn Kickoff Schedule

There are still 8 more popcorn kickoff sessions scheduled this summer! Unit Kernels attending one of the 2013 Popcorn Kick Offs earn a bonus commission for their unit, learn about new products/prizes and pick up materials for the 2013 campaign. For sale dates and additional information please visit the popcorn website.

All kick offs will start at 7:30pm. A unit kernel/unit leader can attend any kick off location. It is best if the unit kernel or unit kernel team attend the kick off.

Call for Nominees: Outstanding Leaders in the Real Estate and Construction Industries

The Real Estate and Construction (REC) Committee is embarking on an annual program to honor Scouts and Scouters in the REC fields and is requesting nominations for awards in the following categories:

Executive-level REC professionals who are Scouting advocates; or have clearly demonstrated lifelong Scouting ethics and morals; or have the desire, industry qualifications, and unique qualities required to be a nominee;

Mid-level businessmen or tradesmen in the REC industry with a long-time connection to Scouting at the unit level;

Scouts or Eagle Scouts who plan to move into careers in the REC industry. These Scouts have demonstrated their intent for our industry through internships; declared college or career paths; and/ or other connection to the construction and development industry; and meet the unique qualities required to be a nominee.

NCAC's Islamic Committee on Scouting is hosting a booth and a "Merit Badge and Leader University" at the Islamic Society of North America's 50th Annual Convention in Washington, DC, August 30-September 2. The Committee is looking for youth and adults who would like to participate in the event. Volunteers who serve at least six hours will receive a patch and free entry for the rest of that day to the conference. This is an excellent opportunity to serve the community, promote Scouting, earn merit badges, work on religious emblems, and receive training. Scouting volunteers and professionals of all faiths who are interested in attending the event and/or volunteering should email Conference@IslamicScouting.org or visit NCACBSA.org/group/Islamic.

Share Your Love for Scouting: Upload Your Video, Win an iPad!

BSA has launched a new contest to see who can make the best video explaining why you love Scouting. Three Grand Prize winners (one in each category Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing) will each receive an Apple iPad mini with a 16GB hard drive!

Entering is simple: record a 75 to 90-second video that explains what it is you love about Scouting and why you think others should join and upload the video here.

Simple. Easy. Fun.
The submission period began on June 20 and ends at 11:59pm EST on August 20, 2013. Final winners will be determined by a panel for each video category on August 31, 2013.

Special offer for NCAC Scouters: Order custom Eagle Scout Court of Honor invitations online and get FREE design, proof, and shipping! It’s as easy as 1-2-3 to order, and you will receive your FREE proof within 48 hours. Visit us at imagegroupink.com/buy/eagle-invitations to select from several cover designs and inside copy formats. Image Group INK is an official BSA licensed vendor. Special offer ends 9/30/13. Use Promo Code: NatCap1

National Aquarium

Join us for Scout Day on November 16 from 10am to 2pm. Receive special pricing when you book as a group of 15 or more. Each Scout will receive a gift and a patch to commemorate the day.